ESPN's Jess Sims Shuts Down Comedian Theo Von on College GameDay

Comedian Theo Von appeared as the celebrity guest picker on ESPN's College GameDay during the Vanderbilt vs. Alabama game, which drew significant attention and mixed reactions. Von's segment included an awkward on-air moment where he flirted with presenter Jess Sims, asking if he would see her again, to which Sims responded with a deadpan "No, I hope not," quickly shutting down the interaction and becoming a fan favorite for her quick wit. Despite his large social media following and prior appearances on the show, Von's comedic style and picks, including choosing Vanderbilt to beat Alabama, did not resonate well with the audience or panel, leading to criticism and social media backlash. ESPN's Rece Davis defended Von's selection, emphasizing his ability to transcend the game and expand the show's reach, citing past celebrity guests who were not athletes. The incident highlighted the risks of featuring non-athlete celebrities on sports broadcasts, especially when humor falls flat or seems forced. Overall, the exchange and Von's performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the broadcast, sparking a wide range of viewer reactions.